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What’s bakuchiol? Meet the plant-based retinol swap everyone’s talking about
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson
If your skin throws a tantrum at the sight of retinol, it’s time to meet bakuchiol – the gentler alternative that’s making waves in skincare
Our top picks
Biotin and hyaluronic acid
Dr Organic
Dr Organic Pro Collagen Plus Bakuchiol Moisturiser
3 For 2 Mix & Match
18+
£19.99
Your two-week radiance ritual
Trilogy
Trilogy Bakuchiol Booster Treatment 15ml
Free gift when you spend £40
£25.50
RRP £34.00
Vitamin A from cacay oil
Antipodes
Antipodes Eve Bio-Retinol Line Reduction Serum 30ml
Free gift when you spend £40
£40.00
If you’ve dipped even half a toe into the skincare world, you’ll have heard about retinol. Most likely the good, the bad and the ugly – its potential for powerful results or equally powerful irritation.
What if there was a gentler option? Say hi to bakuchiol. Said to help brighten, hydrate and smooth your complexion, this plant-based powerhouse is thought to pose similar benefits to retinol while being suitable for all skin types.
Is it really so similar, or is bakuchiol too good to be true? Let’s find out...
What’s bakuchiol?
This glow-getting ingredient comes from the leaves and seeds of the unassuming bakuchiol plant – also known as ‘babchi’.1 It’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditions to help soothe skin.1
Today, skincare buffs and beauty enthusiasts hail it as a vegan, gentler alternative to retinol. So, does it boast the same smoothing effects...?
Bakuchiol vs retinol
For many, the main pro is that it’s vegan. Bakuchiol comes entirely from plants, while retinol (a form of vitamin A) is sometimes still sourced from animal products.
Vegan retinol does exist, though, so be sure to check the labels before you brush it off completely.
Also, bakuchiol’s typically considered a gentler approach. Though retinol has plenty of success stories, it’s not exactly low-maintenance – it's not always suitable for delicate skin and should only be applied at night because of its heated relationship with the sun.
Bakuchiol’s said to have similar effects – smoothing skin, increasing glow and helping to blur fine lines – without the hassle. Oh, and there’s no “retinol uglies”...
A small study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2019 showed very similar results between retinol and bakuchiol creams.2 Bakuchiol users had a slightly higher reduction in hyperpigmentation and less burning sensation than retinol, though they reported slightly more redness. It’s worth noting here that the study was small and more research is needed – but it could be promising news for bakuchiol fans.
Another study, featuring 60 women aged 40-65, showed that bakuchiol was tolerated well and showed improvements in visual smoothness and radiance.3 While cheek corneometry measurements showed a 16% increase in skin moisture content.3
How to use bakuchiol
Unlike the slightly fussy retinol, you can apply bakuchiol oil daily and at any time you like. You'll usually find it as a serum or lotion.
It’s typically fine to use alongside other skincare ingredients, like vitamin C, salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. Just apply as the last step of your normal routine.
Massage a few drops of bakuchiol serum or a dab of bakuchiol cream into your face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn’t make your skin more sensitive to the sun, but it’s still advisable to use a daily SPF to protect your skin from sun and UV-related damage.
Bag some bakuchiol: our top picks
Ready to give it a try? We’ve dropped our bakuchiol besties...
Low-maintenance folk, we hear you. Save an extra step in your routine and use this bakuchiol-enriched moisturiser instead.
Dr Organic Pro Collagen is designed to plump and improve skin smoothness. Oh, and it's certified cruelty-free and vegan.
Also packed with skin-supporting biotin and hyaluronic acid, consider this a triple threat for rejuvenated and youthful-looking complexion.
It’s your go-to if you’re looking to help blur fine lines, fade pigmented patches or just add a little glow to your everyday look.
Want to give your skin a holiday? This two-week treatment provides intense TLC, leaving dull skin refreshed and energised.
The star ingredient is 4% bakuchiol, but a super squad work alongside it for ultimate softness and hydration. Omega-rich hemp and rosehip oils, sweet almond oil and hydrating plant squalane (plus more) promote a nourished complexion.
It’s suitable for all skin types, so no worries if you’re feeling particularly dry or delicate.
Gently massage three to four drops into clean skin morning and evening, for two weeks or until finished. Then, complete the look with your favourite serum or moisturiser.
Prefer a bit of everything? Antipodes’ organic serum combines bakuchiol with an impressive blend of smoothing and conditioning oils for a super-silky complexion.
Sunflower and safflower seed oils leave skin looking glossy, while camellia oil helps skin retain moisture and antioxidant vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress.4-7
Apply three to four drops to a cleansed face, neck and décolletage. Gently massage into the skin and finish with moisturiser.
The final say
It’s not as intense as its big sister, but it packs the same benefits – so why not give bakuchiol a try? Or check out our hydrating skin faves...
Oh, and it’s pronounced back-oo-chee-ol. Now that’s all cleared up, bring it on!
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Nizam NN, Mahmud S, Ark SMA, Kamruzzaman M, Hasan MK. Bakuchiol, a natural constituent and its pharmacological benefits. F1000Res [Internet]. 2023 Nov 7 [cited 2025 May 27]; 12: 29. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10683784/
2. Dhaliwal S et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol [Internet]. 2019 Feb [cited 2025 May 27]; 180(2): 289-96. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/
3. Draelos ZD, Gunt H, Zeichner J, Levy S. Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. J Drugs Dermatol [Internet]. 2020 Dec 1 [cited 2025 May 27]; 19(12): 1181-83. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33346506/
4. European Commission. Ingredient: SUNFLOWER SEED OIL/HYDROGENATED SUNFLOWER SEED OIL ESTERS [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/86478
5. European Commission. Ingredient: CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS SEED OIL [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/55096
6. European Commission. Ingredient: CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL /HYDROGENATED CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL ESTERS [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/86477
7. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6522
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